Applicator implement

ABSTRACT

An applicator implement includes an applicator body formed with a flat applying surface in an applying part; and, an applicator cover that is attached to the applicator body to cover the applying part, formed with a slit that creates communication from the outside to the inside. Under the condition in which the applicator cover covers the applying part, the applying surface of the applying part is positioned inside the slit so that the applying surface can apply the manicure paint liquid to the tip of a nail in a uniform width by inserting the tip of nail through the slit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an applicator implement that is used inassociation with making up of fingertips of the hands, in particular, inthe nail art field for French nails (painting of the application liquidon the nail front ends) for applying the manicure liquid around nailtips, aiming at easy and exact application of the liquid mainly aroundthe nail tips (from one side through the front end to the other side) ofthe hands in a short time, and that enables application of drawing linesof a fixed width along the shape of the front end of the nail withoutregard to the dominant hand and experience.

BACKGROUND ART

Examples of the applicator implements for taking out the applicationliquid from a container by using an applicator body to apply the liquidon a target site, include manicure products for applying a manicureliquid.

In manicuring, the French nail manicure for painting the manicure liquidaround the tips of the nails in association with making up of fingertipsof the hands, has been known.

This French nail manicure is a typical example when nails are painted byoneself. Right before French nail painting, a base liquid is appliedover the whole surface of the nails. Then after French nail painting, anadditional coat liquid for protection is applied. Since the Frenchmanicure thus needs many steps, there have been demands for a method ofpainting that enables quick and fine finishes as easy as possible.

Conventionally, generally known application methods of French nails canbe classified into following four types.

1. Painting with Brushes and Pen Cores

This is the most typical application method of French nails, andapplication is performed by painting along the tips of the nails with anapplying part (brush or pen core) similar to that for the base liquid.In this process, a special sheet for shaping French nails and/or afixing jig for fixing the fingers for easy application may be used (see,for example Japanese Patent Application Laid-open 2004-59035: PatentDocument 1).

2. Painting with a Special Pattern-Shaped Brush

This special brush has a brush shape similar to the round shape of thenail with its front part U-shaped similar to the front curved surface ofthe nail. It is possible to perform French nail manicure by painting thenails directly with the shape of the special brush (see, for exampleJapanese Patent Application Laid-open 2004-8826: Patent Document 2).

3. Painting by Abutting a Shaped Pen Core on the Nail

An approximately key-shaped applying part (fabric pen core) is pressedand fixed against the tip edge of the nail and moved left and rightusing the edge as a guide, whereby French nail manicuring can beperformed without regard to the dominant hand (see, for example JapanesePatent Application Laid-open 2006-204332: Patent Document 3).

4. Applying a Pattern-Shaped Stickers

Instead of using a liquid, it is possible to produce French nails bynipping a thin sticker with a pair of tweezers or the like to apply thesticker to the nail tip (see, for example Japanese Patent ApplicationLaid-open 2006-296620: Patent Document 4).

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents Patent Document 1:

-   Japanese Patent Application Laid-open 2004-59035

Patent Document 2:

-   Japanese Patent Application Laid-open 2004-8826

Patent Document 3:

-   Japanese Patent Application Laid-open 2006-204332

Patent Document 4:

-   Japanese Patent Application Laid-open 2006-296620

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, the applicator implement disclosed in Patent Document 1 isdesigned to paint the nail tips with a brush or pen core in a usualfreehand drawing manner. Because of the freehand drawing, the finishdepends on the individual user's skills and experience, so that it isdifficult for a beginner to stably position the applicator and performfine painting. Even if skills and experience are enhanced, there occurmany cases where the finish cannot bring satisfaction.

Similarly to the above case, the applicator implement disclosed inPatent Document 2 is difficult to position to the applied place, needingtime for practice. The same can be said for application to the dominanthand. Since the brush is fixed in a rounded shape, this configuration isnot suited to flat nail tips. Further, since the brush is U-shaped inplan view, the application liquid flows downward so that the applicationliquid in the middle part of the nail is prone to be thin.

Though the applicator implement disclosed in Patent Document 3 enablesstable painting on the nails of the left and right hands withoutregarding to whether or not the hand is the dominant one, therefrequently occurs the problem that the applicator body, which should befixed to a position by being pressed against the nail tip, is displacedout of the position if the pressing force is strong. Particularly, atthe side of the nail, the applying part is liable to partially come offthe position to be fixed when it comes to the side of the nail, soilingthe nail. Further, since the pen core is pressed against the nail tipevery time it is used, the maintenance (endurance) of the pen core'sshape is the problem to be solved.

Since the applicator implement disclosed in Patent Document 4 needs toset a sticker by peeling off the sticker from the base by the pair oftweezers or the like, the sticker is prone to displace in thelongitudinal and transversal directions with respect to the nail tip,producing poor appearances. Accordingly, time is needed for practice.Further, once the adhesive surface is polluted, the adhesion isdegraded, producing the problem that the sticker is likely to drop.Moreover, a step corresponding to the thickness of the sticker isnecessarily formed from the nail to the sticker surface, causing a senseof discomfort. Still more, since the sticker is markedly brittle, it isvulnerable, resulting in poor endurance. Further, stickers areinherently expensive.

The present invention has been devised in view of solving the aboveproblems, it is therefore an object of the present invention to providean applicator implement, which enables the user to perform easy, fastand stable drawing without regarding the user's experience and skills,and to draw a line parallel to the front edge of the nail and painteasily and exactly in a short time without the curved surface of thenail, in other words, which enables the individual to do a French nailmanicure with a feeling of satisfaction of the finish. It is also anobject to provide a low-cost applicator implement that will not stainnails.

Means for Solving the Problems

The present invention is an applicator implement that enablesapplication of an application liquid to a target object by bringing anapplying part of an applicator body impregnated with the applicationliquid into contact with the target object, comprising:

an applicator body formed with a flat applying surface in an applyingpart; and,

an applicator cover that is attached to the applicator body to cover theapplying part, formed with a slit that creates communication from anoutside to an inside,

wherein under a condition in which the applicator cover covers theapplying part, the applying surface of the applying part is positionedinside the slit so that the applying surface can apply an applicationliquid to a predetermined portion of a target object by inserting atarget object through the slit.

In the present invention, it is possible to perform stable applicationin a simple manner. Formation of the applying surface of the applyingpart in, for example, a U-shaped inner surface configuration, enables anail to insert thereinto and be painted with a drawing line by movingthe applying part in a direction the user wants to paint the nail.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the applicator body forpaining the target object is formed by a fabric body by shaped by usingfibers and resin.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the applicator implementis one for French nails, in which a front end part of the applicatorbody is formed with a flat applying surface extending in an axialdirection of the applicator body so that a tip of a nail can be placedthrough the slit and applied with the application liquid in apredetermined width by means of the applying surface.

Accordingly, the fabric body forming the applicator body is configuredin a U-shape so as to limit the insert of the nail, hence the nail canbe positioned when the nail tip is inserted up to the insert limit. Asresult, the nail is fixed relative to the applying part while the nailtip which is to become the applied surface abuts the applying part ofthe applicator body, hence is applied with the liquid, whereby it ispossible to paint a stable drawing line by just moving the applying partor the nail in the direction the user wants to paint.

Further, changing the depth of the U-shaped depression in the front endof the applicator body makes it possible to change the width of paintingin nail tips.

Changing the width of the U-shape in the front end of the applicatorbody assures suitable width without regard to the thickness of nail tip.

Moreover, the top and bottom surfaces of the U-shape in the front end ofthe applicator body assume straight lines (the surfaces themselves areflat surfaces) when viewed from the front side of the applying surface,or curved lines of R10 or greater (the cross sections are flatsurfaces), so that it is possible to smoothly paint nails if individualfingers have different curvatures.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the applicator implementis one for French nails, in which the front end part of the applicatorbody is formed with a flat applying surface extending in the axialdirection of the applicator body so that the tip of a nail can be placedthrough the slit of the applicator cover and applied with theapplication liquid in a predetermined width by means of the applyingsurface.

In this way, the applicator cover is formed with a hole to which theapplicator body is inserted from the rear so as to cover the applicatorbody while a slit is provided on the front end. Thus, by providing thecover that enables the applicator body to be partly exposed through theslit when the applicator body is inserted into the cover, it is possibleto expose the applying surface of the applicator body from the topsurface of the slit in the applicator cover and paint the surface to beapplied with the top surface. Further, a wide enough clearance thatallows insertion of the nail is formed between the exposed surface andthe bottom surface of the applicator cover.

The slit configuration in the applicator cover is formed of a flatsurface or a curved line of R10 or greater when view from front side ofthe slit, so that it is possible to smoothly paint nails even ifindividual fingers have different curvatures.

As the depth of the slit in the applicator cover is changed, so theinsert limit of nails is also changed. Accordingly, it is possible tochange the width of the painted line on the nail which is to becomeapplied portion.

In the present invention, it is preferred that the approximately centralpart of the applicator body in its axial direction is reduced indiameter compared to the outside diameter of the front and rear portionsand the reduced diametric part is accommodated inside the barrelcylinder in a states that the applicator body is covered by theapplicator cover and is assembled.

This structure enables temporal retention of the application liquid inthe reduced diametric portion and hence can prevent liquid flooding evenif an excess amount of the liquid exceeding the saturated absorption ofthe applicator body made of fabric body and the like is delivered to theapplicator body.

In the present invention, it is preferable that in addition to the slit,another hole for exposing an external surface of the applicator body isprovided for the applicator cover so that the exposed external surfaceof the applicator body can be used for application when the applicatorcover is fitted on the applicator body.

This hole that exposes the external surface of the applicator bodyenables painting of the target object, so that this arrangement ishighly convenient.

In the present invention, it is preferred that the applicator cover hasa rear opening through which the applicator body can be inserted, andtwo slits different in depth, formed on a front end, the front end ofthe applying part of the applicator body is cut out, forming twoapplying surfaces opposing inwardly each other, the applying surfacesappear from respective slits of the applicator cover when the applicatorbody is inserted in the applicator cover, wide enough gaps that allow anail to be inserted through the slit between the applying surfaces areformed, whereby only one side of a nail tip can be painted by theappeared applying surface, and, by selecting one of the two slits, lineshaving different widths from each other for French nails allows to bedrawn.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the applicator cover hasa rear opening through which the applicator body can be inserted, andtwo slits different in depth, formed on a front end, outsides of thefront end of the applying part of the applicator body are formed withtwo applying surfaces having a distance between each other, the applyingsurfaces appear from respective slits of the applicator cover when theapplicator body is inserted in the applicator cover, wide enough gapsthat allow a nail to be inserted between a U-shape and an exposed fabricbody are created, whereby only one side of a nail tip can be painted bythe appeared applying surface, and, by selecting one of the two slits,lines having different widths from each other for French nails allows tobe drawn.

As described above, since two slits are formed in the front end of theapplicator cover so as to have different slit depths, the applicatorbody is exposed from one side surface of the surfaces in the slit, withrespect to the width direction, of the applicator cover, hence a wideenough gap that allow a nail to be inserted between the fabric bodywhich is to become applicator body and the lower surface of the slit iscreated. Accordingly, one surface of the nail tip alone can be paintedby the exposed surface. Since the two slits are different in depth(insert limit), it is possible to draw lines of different line widths.

It is preferable in the present invention that the applicator body iscovered by a front barrel located in front and the applicator cover infront of the front barrel, the applicator cover is removable from thefront barrel, and the applicator body is also removable.

It is preferable in the present invention that the applicator body iscovered by a front barrel located in front and the applicator cover infront of the front barrel, and the applicator cover and the front barrelare formed integrally. This configuration makes it possible to decreasethe number of parts and reduce the cost.

In the present invention, the material of applicator cover 56 ispreferably high-polymer plastics such as PP (polypropylene), PE(polyethylene), PBT (polybutylene terephthalate), POM(polyoxymethylene), and PA (polyamide) or metals, and the material isfurther preferable if it presents chemical resistance against theorganic solvent liquids that are used for French nails.

The present invention is an applicator implement that enablesapplication of an application liquid to a target object by bringing anapplying part of an applicator body impregnated with the applicationliquid into contact with the target object, comprising: an applicatorbody formed with a slit on a surface of an applying part, wherein afront end part of the applicator body is formed with an applying surfaceextending in an axial direction of the applicator body so that a tip ofa nail can be placed through the slit and applied with a applicationliquid in a predetermined width by means of the applying surface.

Advantages of the Invention

According to the applicator implement of the present invention, theapplication liquid in, for example, a container is fed to the applyingpart by twist-up, clicking or any other operation so as to allow theapplying part to paint a target object. The front end of the applyingpart is shaped with a U-shape, so that the applying surface of theapplying part is positioned in the slit in a state that the applyingpart is covered with the applicator cover. When a target object such asa nail or the like is inserted into the slit and the applying body ismoved left and right as sliding along the nail shape, the applyingsurface can easily apply a line of the application liquid of uniformwidth to a predetermined part of the target object, for example, the tipof the nail.

The thus achieved simple operation makes it possible to improve theconventional dissatisfactions or time consumption (for the time forpractice, painting skills for non-dominant hand, unstable painting ofdrawing lines, soiling of nails due to failures and the like)remarkably. In particular, since this invention is featured by the quickand beautiful finish, the user can enjoy nail art all the more.

Further, since insertion of the applicator body into the slit-equippedapplicator cover for covering the applicator body of a fabric body andthe like enables exposure of the applicator body from the slit of theapplicator cover, it is possible to paint one surface of the nail byinserting the nail up to the insert limit of the slit of the applicatorcover and fixing thereat.

Also, by changing the depth of the slit, it is possible to change thewidth of application on the nail.

Further, provision of two slits having different depths in theapplicator cover produces an excellent advantage for the user to makechoice from two application widths.

In the present invention, the applicator implement is constructed suchthat includes an applicator body formed with a slit on the surface of anapplying part, and is constructed such that the front end part of theapplicator body is formed with an applying surface extending in theaxial direction of the applicator body so that the tip of a nail can beplaced through the slit and applied with the application liquid in apredetermined width by means of the applying surface. As a result,without use of an applicator cover, it is possible to bring the nail tipinto contact with the applying surface through the slit on the surfaceof the applicator body, thereby apply the application liquid in apredetermined width on the nail tip. Omission of the applicator covermakes the structure simpler.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a half section illustrating the overall configuration of anapplicator implement for French nails according to the embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a component drawing of an applicator body (fabric body) ofexample 1, (a) a front view, (b) a perspective view (c) a side view and(d) a vertical section.

FIG. 3 is a component drawing of an unassembled applicator cover ofexample 2, (a) a front view, (b) a perspective view (c) a top view, (d)a side view, (e) a vertical section and (f) a rear view.

FIG. 4 is a component drawing of an applicator body (fabric body) ofexample 2, (a) a perspective view from a front upper position, (b) afront view, (c) a perspective view from a front lower position, (d) atop view, (e) a side view and (f) a vertical section.

FIG. 5 is a partial assembly diagram of the applicator body (fabricbody) of example 2 being inserted into an applicator cover, (a) aperspective view from a front lower position, (b) a front view, (c) aperspective view from a front upper position, (d) a top view, (e) a sideview and (f) a vertical section.

FIG. 6 is a component drawing of a variation (variational example 1) ofan unassembled cover of example 2 with its slit width enlarged, (a) aperspective view from a front upper position, (b) a front view, (c) aperspective view from a front lower position, (d) a top view, (e) a sideview, (f) a vertical section and (g) a rear view.

FIG. 7 is a partial assembly diagram of the applicator body (fabricbody) being inserted into a cover, in the variation (variationalexample 1) of the unassembled cover of example 2 with its slit widthenlarged, (a) a perspective view from a front upper position, (b) afront view, (c) a perspective view from a front lower position, (d) atop view, (e) a side view and (f) a vertical section.

FIG. 8 is a component drawing of an unassembled cover of example 3, (a)a perspective view from a front upper position, (b) a front view, (c) aperspective view from a front lower position, (d) a top view, (e) a sideview, (f) a vertical section and (g) a rear view.

FIG. 9 is a partial assembly diagram of the applicator body (fabricbody) of example 3 being inserted into a cover, (a) a perspective viewfrom a front upper position, (b) a front view, (c) a perspective viewfrom a front lower position, (d) a top view, (e) a side view and (f) avertical section.

FIG. 10 is a component drawing of an applicator cover of example 4, (a)a perspective view from a front upper position, (b) a front view, (c) aperspective view from a front lower position, (d) a top view, (e) a sideview, (f) a vertical section and (g) a rear view.

FIG. 11 is a partial assembly diagram of the applicator body (fabricbody) of example 4 being inserted into an applicator cover, (a) aperspective view from a front upper position, (b) a front view, (c) aperspective view from a front lower position, (d) a top view, (e) a sideview and (f) a vertical section.

FIG. 12 is a component drawing of an applicator body (fabric body) ofexample 5, (a) a perspective view from a front upper position, (b) afront view, (c) a top view, (d) a side view and (e) a vertical section.

FIG. 13 is a partial assembly diagram of the applicator body (fabricbody) of example 5 being inserted in an applicator cover, (a) aperspective view from a front upper position, (b) a front view, (c) aperspective view from a front lower position, (d) a top view, (e) a sideview and (f) a vertical section.

FIG. 14 is a component drawing of an applicator cover (variationalexample 2), which is the applicator cover of example 2 integrated with apart of a front barrel, (a) a front view, (b) a perspective view from afront upper position, (c) a side view and (d) a vertical section.

FIG. 15 is a partial assembly diagram of the applicator body (fabricbody) of FIG. 4 being inserted in the applicator cover of FIG. 14, inthe variational example 2, (a) a front view, (b) a perspective view froma front upper position, (c) a side view and (d) a vertical section.

FIG. 16 is a partial assembly diagram of an applicator body (fabricbody) of example 6 be inserted in an applicator cover and attached to afront barrel, (a) a perspective view from a front upper position, (b) afront view, (c) a perspective view from a front lower position, (d) atop view, (e) a vertical section of the state (d), (f) a side view, (g)a vertical section of the state (f), (h) a bottom view and (i) a rearview.

FIG. 17 is a partial assembly diagram of an applicator body (fabricbody) of example 6 being inserted in an applicator cover, (a) aperspective view from a front upper position, (b) a front view, (c) aperspective view from a front lower position, (d) a top view, (e) avertical section of the state (d), (f) a side view, (g) a verticalsection of the state (f), (h) a bottom view and (i) a rear view.

FIG. 18 is a component drawing of an applicator cover of example 6, (a)a front view, (b) a perspective view from a front upper position, (c) atop view, (d) a vertical section of the state (c), (e) a side view, (f)a vertical section of the state (e), (g) a bottom view, (h) a rear viewand (i) a perspective view from a front lower position.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, the embodiment of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a half section showing an applicator implement according tothe embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 2 to 18 illustrate examples ofindividual parts. Parts allotted with the same reference numerals showidentical components.

As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator implement according to the embodimentis able to apply an application liquid by bringing an applying part 52of an applicator body 50 impregnated with the application liquid intocontact with a target object. The applicator implement includesapplicator body 50 having a flat applying surface 58 (see FIG. 2) inapplying part 52, and an applicator cover 56 that is fitted on theapplicator body 50 to cover the applying part 52 and formed with a slit54 for creating communication between the outside and the inside. Whenthe applying part 52 is covered by the applicator cover 56, applyingsurface 58 of the applying part 52 is positioned inside the slit 54. Byinserting a target object into and through the slit, the applicatorimplement can apply the application liquid on the desired part of thetarget object by applying surface 58.

[Overall Configuration of Applicator Implement]

The whole of the applicator implement of the embodiment will bedescribed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the applicator implement is constructed such that anapproximately cylindrical outer barrel 10 with an open rear end 10 b hasa tank-like inner barrel 12 arranged movably forward and backward withinouter barrel 10, inner barrel 12 moves forward relative to outer barrel10 as the user clicks a rear end part 12 b of inner barrel 12 so as tooperate an aftermentioned valve mechanism 14 arranged inside front endpart 12 a of inner barrel 12, thereby supply the application liquid toapplicator body 50 arranged at a front end part 10 a of outer barrel 10.The part projected forward from front barrel 22 in applicator body 50 iscovered with an aftermentioned applicator cover 56.

Front end part 10 a of outer barrel 10 is made small stepwise indiameter. Abutted on the front face of the front end part 10 a is theouter periphery (spreading flange-like) of bowl-shaped front end part 18a of an ink feed pipe (a pipe passage for flowing the application liquidfrom valve mechanism 14 to the applicator body 50 side) 18. The rearpart of applicator body 50 is inserted into front end part 18 a of theink feed pipe 18 with a seal ring 20 therebetween. Hollow-tubulartapering front barrel 22 is fitted on the outer barrel front end part 10a, enclosing by the hollow of front barrel 22, the applicator body 50from its middle part to the rear, seal ring 20 and the front end part 18a of ink feed pipe 18, so as to fix applicator body 50, seal ring 20 andthe front end part of ink feed pipe 18 to outer barrel 10. A cap 24 thatencloses and protects applicator body 50 is removably fitted on outerbarrel front end part 10 a. Cap 24 has an inner cap 24 therein, which isurged by a spring 24 b so as to press front barrel 22.

The inner barrel 12 is closed at rear end 12 b to form a liquidreserving space 12 c for reserving the application liquid therein (inwhich an agitator ball 12 d may be held). On the other hand, the valvemechanism 14 is mounted in front end part (the front end part of theinner barrel) 12 a and fixed inside by inner front barrel 26.Detailedly, in a state where valve mechanism 14 is mounted inside thefront small-diametric part of inner barrel 12, or front end part 12 a,rear end part 18 b of ink feed pipe 18 is slidably connected to valvemechanism 14 while inner front barrel 26 is fixed to front end part 12 aof the inner barrel by screw-fitting or any other means with a packing28 inserted between itself and the front end part of valve mechanism 14.

Herein, the valve mechanism 14 allows and stops supply of theapplication liquid toward applicator body 50 when a valve seat 30 andvalve rod 38 relatively move in the axial direction, on thecommunication path between the liquid reserving space 12 c for reservingthe application liquid and applicator body 50.

Valve seat body 30 of valve mechanism 14 is an approximate cylinder thatis open at both ends in the axial direction and has liquid-tightportions that are formed therein on the front side (front side valvemember 32) and on the rear side (rear side valve member 34) and come insliding contact with valve rod 38. The rear side opening faces liquidreserving space 12 c while the front side opening faces the applicatorbody 50 side.

Projected radially inward from the interior wall of rear side valvemember 34 of valve seat body 30 is a rib that extends from theapproximate longitudinal center of the wall to the rear side to guidevalve rod 38. The valve rod 38 is accommodated in the hollow of frontside valve member 32 and rear side valve member 34 of valve seat body 30so as to be movable forward and rearward. A spring member 36 that is fiton the valve rod 38 is disposed inside the same hollow so as to urge thevalve rod 38 forward.

Specifically, front valve member 32 overall has an approximatelycylindrical shape with a large-diametric flange at the front end and therear side interior peripheral surface greater in diameter than the frontinterior peripheral surface. This rear side interior peripheral surfaceforms the front side liquid-tight portion. On the other hand, rear sidevalve member 34 has a hollowed, approximately cylindrical shape withlarge-diametric flange at the front end and the rear end reducedstepwise in diameter. The interior peripheral surface of thisreduced-diametric portion forms the rear side liquid-tight portion. Thefront side valve member 32 is concentrically inserted overlappedly intorear side valve member 34 from the front side until the aforementionedflanges abut each other. Further, in a state that packing 28 is placedin front of the flanges, inner front barrel 26 is screwed and fixed tocover front end part 12 a of the inner barrel. Here, the front face ofthe reduced-diametric portion at the rear side end of rear side valvemember 34 serves as a seat for the spring member 36.

Formed on the outer periphery of valve rod 38 are a front side pistonpart 38 a that liquid-tightly slides on the front side liquid-tightportion of front side valve member 32 in the valve seat body 30, and arear side piston part 38 b that liquid-tightly slides on the rear sideliquid-tight portion of rear side valve member 34 in the valve seat body30 while a space 40 that allows communication of the application liquidis formed between the outer periphery in the approximately center of thevalve rod 38 and the interior surface of the valve seat body 30.

Specifically, front side piston part 38 a of valve rod 38 is formed witha flexible large-diametric umbrella-like flange. Rear side piston part38 b is formed with a smooth outer peripheral surface taperingrearwards. When valve rod 38 moves rearwards, the small-diametric rearend part passes through the opening of the rear side valve member 34,then the large-diametric middle part closely contacts to and slides onthe liquid-tight portion on the rear side of rear side valve member 34.

An annular projection 42 is formed on the inner wall of outer barrel 10.When inner barrel 12 moves rearwards by a certain distance or greater,inner front barrel 26 abuts this annular projection 42 so as to preventinner barrel 12 from moving to the rear further and coming off.

Further, rear end part 18 b of ink feed pipe 18 communicating withapplicator body 50 is inserted into the front side opening of valve seatbody 30. Inserted into this ink feed pipe 18 is an induction rod 44 forinducing the application liquid toward applicator body 50.

As to materials for individual parts of the applicator implement,applicator body 50 may use a fabric body of acryl, nylon, polyester,polyacetal (POM) or the like.

The inner barrel and output barrel 10 may use polypropylene (PP),polybutylene naphthalate (PET), nylon (PA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN);front barrel 22, cap 24, inner cap 24 a and inner front barrel 26 mayuse polybutyl-terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), nylon (PA) andpolyacrylonitrile (PAN); packing 28 may use EPDM, silicone, NBR (nitrilerubber), IIR (polyisobutylene rubber) and fluorine; the seal ring mayuse low-density polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE), high-density polyethylene(HDPE), polypropylene (PP); front side valve member 32, rear side valvemember 34 and valve rod 38 of valve seat body 30 may use high-densitypolyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE, LLDPE),polypropylene (PP); and, spring 24 b of cap 24 and spring member 36 mayuse stainless steel (SUS).

Induction rod 44 is preferably formed of a material presenting goodwettability to the application liquid, for examples including, metalssuch as stainless steel (SUS), resin such as polyacetal (POM), fiberbundle core or sintered compact of polyester, acryl or the like, orsynthesized resin molding core having liquid flow channels in the axialdirection such as polyacetal (POM).

Next, examples of applicator body 50 and applicator cover 56 of theapplicator implement will be described.

The applicator implement is preferably used for French nails, orapplying the application liquid to nails tips. The application liquidfor French nails should have a viscosity that enables applicator body 50made of fibers to absorb/apply and apply the liquid on nails. It ispreferably that the viscosity falls within a range from 50 mpa·s to 200mpa·s.

The material of applicator cover 56 may be high-polymer plastics such aspolypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polybutyl-telephthalate (PBT),polyacetal (POM), and nylon (PA), or metals, and preferably presentschemical resistance against the organic solvent liquids used for Frenchnails.

[Applicator Body According to Example 1]

Next, example 1 of the applicator body arranged in the above applicatorimplement will be described.

FIG. 2 shows applicator body 50 according to example 1.

The applicator implement used in example 1 has the same outside diameterwith that of applicator body 50 of the applicator implement of FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 2, applicator body 50 roughly has a bar-shapedconfiguration with its applying part 52 at the front end cut out in aU-shape when viewed from side. Thus, opposing applying surfaces 58 areformed in the U-shaped arrangement. Specifically, the U-shapedarrangement was formed of 1.5 mm deep and 1.5 mm wide. Accordingly, theinsert limit of the nail is 1.5 mm, and it is possible to paint nailshaving the maximum thickness of 1.5 mm.

This fabric body was assembled in the applicator implement of FIG. 1,and application performance was evaluated.

To begin with, the nail was put into the fabric body up to the insertlimit, and the nail was fixed at the point of the insert limit of thefabric body. In this condition, the nail was painted by sliding thefabric body along the top edge of the nail. As a result, it was possibleto draw a line of 1.5 mm wide easily and beautifully.

Example 2 relates to an applicator cover.

FIG. 3 is a component drawing of an applicator cover. FIG. 4 is acomponent drawing of applicator body 50. FIG. 5 is an assembly diagramof applicator cover 56 and applicator body 50.

In example 2, as shown in FIG. 3, applicator cover 56 forms a cap-likeconfiguration in which the front end is spherically shape while the rearpart become slightly spread like a skirt. Applicator cover 56 is formedin its front end with a window-forming slit 54 that is rectangularly cutout. One endface of slit 54 is continuously extended like a treadforming a step 54 a inside applicator cover 56. The other endface ofslit 54 is extended spherically both on the inner and outer surfaces.

Specifically, the slit 54 is 1.5 mm wide with the nail insert limit setat 1.8 mm. The outside diameter of applicator cover 56 is 5.3 mm. Thecover has a key-like inner hollow similar to the shape of the applicatorbody and establishes communication.

On the other hand, applicator body 50 of example 2 is formed such that,as shown in FIG. 4, the one side of the front end part of applying part52 is cut out like a notch to form a flat applying surface 58 extendingin the axial direction of the applicator body 50. Applicator body 50 hasan outside diameter of 4.5 mm with its front end spherically shapedwhich is to become applying part 52, and is ground in flat along theaxial direction, forming applying surface 58.

Further, in order for temporal collection of the liquid, the middle partis annularly cut out to be reduced to 4 mm in diameter, forming adepressed portion 60.

The fabric body having a porosity of 50% or more was used as applicatorbody 50.

In the example 2, as applicator body 50 is fitted into applicator cover56, applying surface 58 is exposed 0.5 mm relative to slit 54 as shownin FIG. 5. Accordingly, it is possible to insert a nail withoutdifficulty if the nail is as thick as about 1 mm. Applicator body 50 ispositioned by the spherical part of applicator cover 56 or by step 54 aof applicator cover 56. With the thus constructed applying part 52, thenail was inserted into slit 54 and fixed at the insert limit while theapplicator implement was moved right and left along the top edge of thenail, whereby it was possible to draw a painting line of uniform widtheasily and beautifully.

[Variational Example 1 of Example 2]

Variational example 1 of example 2 gives a configuration in whichapplicator cover 56 shown in FIG. 6 is formed with a slit 54 that iswider (deeper in side view) than that shown in FIG. 3. Replacement ofthe applicator cover 56 shown in FIG. 3 with this configuration providesthe assembly shown in FIG. 7 so that it is possible to change theapplication width of slit 54.

[Assembly of Applicator Cover 56 of Example 3 with Applicator Body 50]

FIG. 8 is an illustrative diagram of applicator cover 56 of example 3.FIG. 9 is an assembly diagram of applicator cover 56 and applicator body50 of example 3. The applicator body 50 of example 3 is the same as thatof example 2 shown in FIG. 4.

This example 3 is a further improved version of the assembly of example2. Another hole 56 a is formed in the top of applicator cover 56,separately from slit 54, so that the outer peripheral surface ofapplying part 52 is exposed from the hole 56 a.

In this example 3, similarly to example 2, it was possible to easilypaint a drawing line of uniform width simply and beautifully. Inaddition, it was possible to perform a correction of applying and pointmaking by use of applying part 52 exposed through the top hole.

[Assembly of Example 4]

FIG. 10 is a component drawing of applicator cover 56 according toexample 4, and FIG. 11 is an illustrative diagram of the assembly.

In example 4, the applicator body 50 shown in FIG. 2 is used, and theapplicator cover 56 shown in FIG. 11 and the applicator body 50 areassembled. In example 4, as shown in FIG. 10, two slits 54 a and 54 bdifferent in depth (and width) are formed in applicator cover 56, andapplicator body 50 is inserted into this applicator cover 56. Inapplicator body 50 shown in FIG. 2, applying surfaces 58, 58 opposingeach other are made to face (exposed) through slits 54 a and 54 b,respectively.

In application work, the same result as in the example 2 could beobtained. Further, since slits 54 a and 54 b were different, two kindsof drawing lines of different line widths could be formed.

[Assembly of Example 5]

FIG. 12 is a component drawing of an applicator body of example 5, andFIG. 13 is an illustrative diagram of the assembly of example 5.

In example 5, the applicator cover 56 of example 4 shown in FIG. 10 isassembled with applicator body of FIG. 12, forming the assembly shown inFIG. 13.

As shown in FIG. 12, applicator body 50 is different from example 4, inthat applying part 52 as the front end axis to form an inverted T shapeand applying surfaces 58, 58 are formed on both the sides of invertedT-shaped applying part 52. In the state where applicator 50 is assembledin applicator cover 56, applying surfaces 58 and 58 are exposed throughslits 54 a and 54 b, respectively.

In this case, similarly to example 4, two kinds of drawing lines ofdifferent line widths could be formed.

[Variational Example 2 of Example 2]

FIG. 14 shows applicator cover 56 of variational example 2 of example 2,and FIG. 15 shows applicator cover 56 with applicator body 50 insertedtherein.

This variational example 2 gives a configuration in which, as shown inFIG. 14, the skirt-like portion that is formed continuously orintegrally from the rear part of applicator cover 56 is further extendedso that applicator cover 56 is integrated with front barrel 22. Asapplicator body 50, the one shown in FIG. 4 having applying part 52 cutout like a notch on one side forming applying surface 58 is used. Here,in FIGS. 14 and 15, the part of applicator cover 56 corresponding to thefront barrel is shown by reference numeral 22A.

This variational example 2, when used for the applicator implement shownin the embodiment of FIG. 1, has the advantage of reducing the number ofparts for front barrel 22 compared to the above examples 1 to 5.

[Assembly of Applicator Cover 56 of Example 6 in Applicator Body 50]

Example 6 will be described.

FIG. 16 is a partial assembly diagram of an applicator body (fabricbody) according to example 6 inserted in applicator cover 56 andattached to front barrel 22. FIG. 17 is a partial assembly diagram ofthe applicator body (fabric body) inserted in the applicator coverbefore being attached to the front barrel 22. FIG. 18 is a componentdrawing of the applicator cover.

Example 6 is a further improved version of example 3 described withFIGS. 8 and 9 above, in that the rear part of applicator cover 56 isextended tube-like (shown by a tubular portion 56 b) compared to theconfiguration of example 3.

As shown in FIG. 16, applicator cover 56 is assembled so that applicatorbody 50 and tubular portion 56 b in the rear part of applicator cover 56are inserted into front barrel 22. In assembling, the umbrella-likespreading portion in the front part of applicator cover 56 abuts thefront end of front barrel 22 while tubular portion 56 b is plunged intofront barrel 22. Applicator body 50 is pressed by front barrel 22through tubular portion 56 b of applicator cover 56.

In the assembled condition, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, applying part52 in the conical side surface of applicator body 50 is exposed throughthe top hole 56 a while flat applying surface 58 is exposed from slit54.

According to example 6, as shown in FIG. 16, since elastic resinapplicator cover 56 (tubular portion 56 b in the rear part thereofformed in a tube-like form) is interposed between applicator body 50 andfront barrel 22, it is possible to produce a feeling of unity of frontbarrel 22 and applicator cover 56 as well as effectively preventingapplicator cover 56 from coming off from front barrel 22.

According to the applicator implements including applicator body 50 andapplicator cover 56 of the above examples 1 to 6, variational examples 1and 2, in the applicator implement using applicator body 50 that canabsorb and apply a liquid to paint the tips of nails by dispensing acontent liquid in liquid reserving space 12 c of inner barrel 12 toapplicator body 50 by means of valve mechanism 14 that supplies thecontent liquid as rear end part 12 b of inner barrel 12 is clicked, whenthe portion for painting nail tips is formed in a U-shape, a nailinserted into slit 54 up to the insert limit of the U-shape can bepositioned and fixed, whereby it is possible to provide an applying partfor nail art that enables easy application of the liquid dispensed fromthe container to applicator body 50, to the nail, by moving applyingpart 52 left and right along the top edge of the nail.

Here, the applicator body 50 may be formed with a curved surface. It isalso possible to omit applicator cover 56 if application can be donewith applicator body 50 alone. Omission of applicator cover 56 enableseasy application with a simple configuration.

INDUSTRIAL USABILITY

The applicator implement of the present invention is not only suitablefor French nails, or painting around nail tips in association withmaking up of fingertips of the hands, but can also be used when lines ofuniform width need to be drawn on a tip of a small object like nailtips.

DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

-   10 outer barrel-   10 a front end part of outer barrel-   10 b rear end part of outer barrel-   12 inner barrel-   12 a front end part of inner barrel-   12 b rear end part of inner barrel-   14 valve mechanism-   22 front barrel-   30 valve seat body-   44 induction rod-   50 applicator body-   52 applying part-   54 slit-   54 a slit step-   56 applicator cover-   56 a hole in applicator cover-   58 applying surface-   60 depressed portion

1. An applicator implement that enables application of an applicationliquid to a target object by bringing an applying part of an applicatorbody impregnated with the application liquid into contact with thetarget object, comprising: an applicator body formed with a flatapplying surface in an applying part; and, an applicator cover that isattached to the applicator body to cover the applying part, formed witha slit that creates communication from an outside to an inside, whereinunder a condition in which the applicator cover covers the applyingpart, the applying surface of the applying part is positioned inside theslit so that the applying surface can apply an application liquid to apredetermined portion of a target object by inserting a target objectthrough the slit.
 2. The applicator implement according to claim 1,wherein the applicator body is formed by a fabric body shaped by usingfibers and resin.
 3. The applicator implement according to claim 1,which is an applicator implement for French nails wherein a front endpart of the applicator body is formed with the applying surfaceextending in an axial direction of the applicator body so that a tip ofa nail can be placed through the slit and applied with the applicationliquid in a predetermined width by means of the applying surface.
 4. Theapplicator implement according to claim 1, wherein a depressed step isformed in the approximate center of the applicator body in the axialdirection so that the step is housed inside a barrel cylinder when theapplicator cover is assembled to cover the applicator body.
 5. Theapplicator implement according to claim 2, wherein in addition to theslit, another hole for exposing an external surface of the applicatorbody is provided for the applicator cover so that the exposed externalsurface of the applicator body can be used for painting the target whenthe applicator cover is fitted on the applicator body.
 6. The applicatorimplement according to claim 1, wherein the applicator cover has a rearopening through which the applicator body can be inserted, and two slitsdifferent in depth, formed on a front end, the front end of the applyingpart of the applicator body is cut out, foaming two applying surfacesopposing inwardly each other, the applying surfaces appear fromrespective slits of the applicator cover when the applicator body isinserted in the applicator cover, wide enough gaps that allow a nail tobe inserted through the slit between the applying surfaces are formed,whereby only one side of a nail tip can be painted by the appearedapplying surface, and, selecting one of the two slits allows for drawinglines having different widths from each other for French nails.
 7. Theapplicator implement according to claim 1, wherein the applicator coverhas a rear opening through which the applicator body can be inserted,and two slits different in depth, formed on a front end, outsides of thefront end of the applying part of the applicator body are formed withtwo applying surfaces having a distance between each other, the applyingsurfaces appear from respective slits of the applicator cover when theapplicator body is inserted in the applicator cover, wide enough gapsthat allow a nail to be inserted between a U-shape and an exposed fabricbody are created, whereby only one side of a nail tip can be painted bythe facing applying surface, and, selecting one of the two slits allowsfor drawing of lines having different widths from each other for Frenchnails.
 8. The applicator implement according to claim 1, wherein theapplicator body is covered by a front barrel located in front and theapplicator cover in front of the front barrel, the applicator cover isremovable from the front barrel, and the applicator body is alsoremovable.
 9. The applicator implement according to claim 1, wherein theapplicator body is covered by a front barrel located in front and theapplicator cover in front of the front barrel, and the applicator coverand the front barrel are formed integrally.
 10. The applicator implementaccording to claim 1, wherein a material of the applicator cover is ahigh polymer plastic or metal.
 11. An applicator implement that enablesapplication of an application liquid to a target object by bringing anapplying part of an applicator body impregnated with the applicationliquid into contact with the target object, comprising: an applicatorbody formed with a slit on a surface of an applying part, wherein afront end part of the applicator body is formed with an applying surfaceextending in an axial direction of the applicator body so that a tip ofa nail can be placed through the slit and applied with an applicationliquid in a predetermined width by means of the applying surface.